Tuolumne River 1-day trips
World class whitewater near Yosemite.
Offered in Association with our Sister Outfitter
$314-$349
About the Trip
- Overview
- Dates
- Pricing
- Itinerary
- What’s Included
- River Camp
- On the River
- Logistics, Directions & Accomodations
- Notes
We’re here to help!
Our friendly office staff are ready to answer any questions and help you book your next adventure!
209-532-6249
Overview
A fantastically full and memorable 18 mile day of World Class whitewater near Yosemite.
NOTE: During the record setting rainfall in 2023, our primary access road to the river was affected and will be closed at least thru 2025. To access the river, guests are required to walk downhill to the river, unless physically unable to do so. It is a 2.5 mile hike down to the river, about 40 minutes. Please be prepared with comfortable walking shoes (Teva/Chaco/Keen water shoes or athletic shoes have been fine – water socks, Crocks, flip flops have NOT been fine) and a full water bottle. You will be able to switch shoes once you reach the river as well. At the end of the trip, there is an hour-long boat tow into Don Pedro reservoir, where you will then be shuttled back to your vehicle. This is because our normal take out at Ward’s ferry road is closed on both sides of the canyon.
- Max trip size is 22 guests
- Minimum age 10-14 depending on water levels / April – Sept
- Adventurous First Timers OK
- Our 1-day Tuolumne trips utilize mostly oar-paddle combination rafts.
Tuolumne 1-Day 2024 Trip Dates
Selected days from April through early-September. Choose your preferred dates online or contact us. If your online date of choice is not available, we will contact you.
Tuolumne 1-Day Pricing
| Selected Days | Options | Price Adult/Youth | Group Price (12+) Adult/Youth |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | Lunch, 18 miles | $354/$319 | $324 |
- Prices are per person and subject to a 10% Government access/service fee
Itinerary
- Meet near Buck Meadows (see your Trip Confirmation for specific time and location)
- Sign in, 45 minute bus ride to launch area
- Safety talk, paddle practice
- Start rafting between 10:30-11:00
- Rafting until lunch around 1:00
- Rafting all afternoon arriving at Wards Ferry Bridge around 4:30-5:00
- Load up gear in bus, and 1 hour bus ride back to cars by 6:00
What’s Included
- Wetsuits/Paddle jackets for spring trips
- All river gear including helmets and life jackets
- Full lunch served on river
- Beverages at trips end
- Parking and round trip bus shuttle to and from river
On the River
Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast prior to your meet time. There are numerous options for food in Groveland and the surrounding areas. On your one day trip we will provide a delicious lunch spread part way down the river, and cold drinks at takeout for the bus ride back to your cars.
As a service to our clients, Zephyr provides wet suits and paddle jackets free of charge. Wet suits are recommended on all trips through about mid June, depending on previous winter snowpack. The wet suits are designed for whitewater rafting, and are very comfortable. The suit is a full-length “farmer-john” style, with sleeveless tops. We also provide an optional nylon paddle jacket which can be worn over the suit when necessary. You are welcome to provide your own suit if you wish.
“What do I wear underneath my wet suit?” An important question that comes up often. We recommend wearing a thin nylon swim suit, or other non-bulky swim attire, underneath your wet suit. Also, to provide some friction between you and the raft ( to help keep you from sliding off the raft into the river ), we recommend bringing along a large pair of old shorts to wear on the outside of your wet suit.
During the summer months you can expect hot days (often reaching into the 90s) and warm nights (usually in the 60s). Spring and Fall weather is usually excellent (daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 80s). Rain showers can occasionally occur. Feel free to call us for the latest weather forecast.
On the river
- Shorts/swim suit
- Tennis shoes or river sandals
- Sunglasses with tie-on
- Camera (see above)
- Light Windbreaker
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
- Hat/Visor. Note: You will be wearing a helmet, and you should bring along a baseball style hat which can be worn underneath your helmet. Most other hat styles other than a baseball style hat will not work underneath your helmet.
- Sunscreen
After the trip (leave in your car)
- Change of clothes
- Towel
Cool weather items
- Polypro or wool long underwear
- Wool or pile pants
- Tent, Rain Gear
- Wool or polypro sweater/jacket
- Wool hat & gloves
- Wetsuit & booties
Logistics, Directions & Accomodations
Notes
Our 1 Day Tuolumne Trips are an exciting and full day! Please make sure you’re well rested and have a good breakfast the day of your trip.
